Set against the spectacular backdrop of magnificent Mount Kenya, Ol Pejeta Ranch House, in 24,000 acre Sweetwaters Game Reserve, still retains the bygone tradition of Kenya's famous farmhouse hospitality. Its fascinating history started over seventy years ago when Ol Pejeta was originally part of the Masai homelands. A former owner, Lord Delamere, together with his partner Marcus Wickham-Baynton, turned the vast tracts of land into a highly profitable, well-run ranch. Subsequent owners included Christina Onassis' father-in-law, Roussel, and in due course Adnan Khashoggi, who used the ranch house as his private hideaway. Exclusive Ol Pejeta has since been restored to its former glory as a traditional farm house set in extensive tropical gardens situated in the Sweetwaters Game Reserve. Three hours' drive from Nairobi, half an hour's drive from Nanyuki or Mount Kenya Safari Club.

Accommodation: Accommodation is provided in six suites; with 2 deluxe suites and 2 guest suites in the main house and Buffalo Cottage which has two self-contained luxury bedrooms with en-suite facilities, verandahs and a shared sitting room with central fireplace. "Mr. Khashoggi"'s suite overlooks a private swimming pool, while the main swimming pool is located in the grounds next to the tennis courts.

Leisure Activities: Despite Ol Pejeta's uncompromising luxury, the warmth and friendliness of the hosts ensure that the ranch soon feels like "your farm in Africa". The Ranch House itself has two swimming pools, tennis courts, board games and a piano, for those who want to stay "close to home". For those who prefer outdoor activities, game walks escorted by a knowledgeable ranger, game drives and riding safaris ensure that you are constantly aware this is the "real Africa". 

The accommodation price includes the entrance fee of the Reserve, and also the entrance fee to the Sweetwaters Chimpanzee Sanctuary and Information Centre, a visit to the Visitor's Information Centre at Morani's Boma, which is a must for all visiting clients staying both at Sweetwaters Tented Camp and Ol Pejeta Ranch House. 

Conferences:  The Ranch House can be used as a conference venue if taken over exclusively. It makes a perfect small conference venue, or the perfect conference house for those larger conferences where accommodation is booked at Sweetwaters Tented Camp.

Multi-cultural Manyatta:   A new addition is the multi-cultural manyatta situated just outside the Serat Gate of the Sweetwaters Reserve. Here clients can visit some of Kenya's tribes in their own environment. Masai, Pokot, Turkana, Samburu men and women invite you into their homes and sell their traditional wares, show off their ritual dances and introduce you to their lifestyle. This is a must when visiting the Sanctuary, as it give us insight into how different Kenyan tribes survive.

Facilities: Facilities at Ol Pejeta Ranch House include: 

GENERAL FACILITIES

Bureau de Change:  Our Bureau de Change can exchange reasonable amounts of foreign currency, at Sweetwaters Tented Camp.

Check In and Check Out Times:  We cannot guarantee rooms will be ready for occupancy until 12.00 p.m. Guests are requested to check out by 10.00 a.m..

Children:  Ol Pejeta Ranch House is 'family friendly'. Children are most welcome. If desired, an early children's supper can be served in the Dining Room from 06.30 to 07.30 p.m., where a special menu will be offered.

Baby sitting and listening services:   These can be made available, and should be requested through the Reservations Office at the time of making bookings. 4 baby cots and 2 high chairs can be made available. Ayah/nanny's accommodation is also available. Depending on the number of children resident at Ol Pejeta Ranch House, group activities such as treasure hunts can be organised.

Communication:  There are no telephones in the rooms but the office in the property does have a telephone and facsimile.

Credit Cards:   We accept payment by the following credit cards: American Express, Visa, ACCESS/Master Card.

Driver/Maid Accommodation:   Accommodation is available.

Disabled Persons    There are no special facilities for the disabled as such, however the public areas and rooms are located on level ground and can be easily accessed, wheelchairs manoeuvring easily around and into these areas.

Electricity:    Ol Pejeta Ranch House is not on mains electricity, but has generators which provide 24 hour electricity.

Hair-dryers and Adapters:  Adapters are available from the reception. Hair dryers are not available.

Laundry/Dry Cleaning:  Ol Pejeta offers the same day laundry service from Sweetwaters Tented Camp, weather permitting. Providing garments are handed in to the room steward before 07.00 a.m. they will be returned by 08.00 p.m. There are no dry cleaning facilities at Ol Pejeta.

Lunch Boxes:   These are available on request. Orders must be placed the previous night.

Medical Facilities  A doctor is on call from Nanyuki town 24 hours a day. There is a comprehensive First Aid box at the Ranch House.  All Lonrho Hotels are corporate members of the Flying Doctors Society of Africa. In the event of a medical emergency the patient can be evacuated by air to a Nairobi Hospital.

Petrol:  There is no petrol available for sale. A mechanic is available at Sweetwaters Tented Camp, to attend to minor vehicle defaults.

Shoe Cleaning:  Guests' shoes are cleaned free of charge. Shoes can be left outside the rooms and reception advised.

Safety Deposit Boxes:  The cashier at Sweetwaters Tented Camp offers the use of a safety deposit box, free of charge.

Secretarial Services:  Secretarial facilities and photocopying services are available at Sweetwaters Tented Camp from 08.30 a.m. to 05.00 p.m.

Shop:  There is no shop at Ol Pejeta Ranch House, but at Sweetwaters Tented Camp the "Sweetwaters Curio Shop" sells batiks, curios, Africana jewellery and clothing, postcards, stamps, guide books and Sweetwaters Game Reserve maps as well as basic necessities such as film and toiletries. It is open from: 07.30 to 10.00 a.m., 12.00 to 02.30 p.m., 06.00 to 08.30 p.m.

In the Main House, there are: Mr. Khashoggi's suite with oversized king bed, Mrs. Khashoggi's suite with oversized king bed, Suite with one double bed, Suite with two twin beds, 2 Lounges, Dining Room, Large Verandahs, Private Swimming Pool off Mr. Khashoggi’s suite.

Buffalo Cottage consists of 2 en-suite Rooms each with one double bed, and a lounge with Verandah.

AMENITIES:     In every bathroom there is a 115/240v shaving socket. Each room is furnished with: rugs, bedside lamps, dressing tables and built-in wardrobes, whampoo, body lotion, bath and shower gel, and bathrobes.  Ensuite bathroom with flush toilets and washbasin, freshly laundered towels.

The Dining Room:     There is one dining room, which serves a cosmopolitan menu. Seating capacity is 20 people, and the dining room is open for breakfast  from 0700 to 0930 hrs, for lunch from 12.30 to 02.30 p.m. and for dinner from 07.30 to 09.30 p.m. A children's early dinner on request can be served from 06.30 to 07.30p.m.

The Bar:     The bar is situated in the lounge. Beverages are served here and in the dining room during meals. Liqueurs, beers, soft drinks, wines, spirits, cocktails, tea and coffee. The bar is open from 10.00 a.m. to 11.00 p.m. Afternoon tea is served from 04.00 to 05.30 p.m. The lounge seating capacity is 20 people.

Verandah:     Afternoon Tea may be served here, on request.

© Lonrho Hotels Ltd / Choices Wild Limited, 2003. All Rights Reserved.